The Mathematics and Science Academy
at Ocean Lakes High School

View a brief video overview of the Mathematics and Science Academy Program.

The Mathematics & Science Academy provides Virginia Beach City Public Schools students a rigorous and unique program of study emphasizing the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology. Many of the courses offered are unavailable to other high school students.

Program Components
The Academy was designed for academically motivated and dedicated students. With this in mind, scientists, professors, community members, and educators created a challenging experience mirroring comparable competitive mathematics and science academy programs in the nation.

During the course of a student’s tenure at Ocean Lakes High School, he/she will be able to experience a rich environment of accelerated instruction including:

• Extensive laboratory experiences using the latest technologies and current computer-based software and hardware,
• English curricula integrating a multitude of non-fiction materials and technical writing units,
• Emphasis on critical thinking skills in all academy courses,
• Intensive writing assignments designed to improve a student’s skills and hone his/her ability to communicate effectively,
• Participation in various academic competitions,
• Exposure to a variety of technology applications including computers, software, scanners, digital cameras and other peripheral devices,
• Career counseling by guidance counselors and the academy advisor to facilitate a student’s preparation and acceptance into colleges and universities and for scholarships.

The Mathematics & Science Academy
Typical Course of Study
Sample Student Schedule
For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the 2008-2009 Secondary School Curriculum Guide.

* Weighted Course
(s) Semester Course

• Students take a minimum of six (6) classes each semester.
• The sequence of math courses followed by a student is dependent upon the student's coursework prior to entering OLHS and his/her achievement in the courses each year.
• The electives selected by each Academy student should correlate with his/her interests. Students will need to plan their sequences of courses carefully to meet any prerequisite requirements for specialized courses.

Senior Project
As a capstone experience of each Mathematics & Science Academy student’s program of study, the mentorship/research project truly sets students apart. The focus of the project is in a field of math, science, or technology and integrates the foundational topics studied in the preceding years. Students elect to complete a field-based research project or mentorship with a practicing scientist, mathematician, or a like professional. Successful completion of this portion of the program includes 140 hours of independent work, a multimedia presentation of the experience, a written summation, and an oral presentation.

Program Requirements

Each academy student will:

• Complete a minimum of five units of high school math; entering freshmen are required to have completed Algebra I prior to 9th grade,
• Enroll in Honors or AP English courses each year of high school,
• Complete a minimum of four units of high school science, including magnet chemistry, magnet molecular biology, magnet physics and two senior science electives,
• Complete at least three years of one foreign language (Students are encouraged to complete four years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities. It is recommended that entering freshmen complete one year of a foreign language prior to 9th grade.)
• Complete one year of magnet technology courses,
• Complete a senior research or mentorship project,
• Take a minimum of six classes each semester. (The mentorship/research project may replace one semester class during the senior year.),
• Meet Virginia Advanced Studies diploma requirements,
• Take a full credit of mathematics and a full credit of science each year.

For additional information please call the Academy Coordinator at 757.648.8550 ext. 57707, or e-mail Ann Zingraff-Newton anne.zingraff-newton@vbschools.com at Ocean Lakes High School.